Your last post raises an interesting question. What proof does the carrier who hauled the freight have that he is indeed the actual carrier? Is his name on the Bill of Lading in the box marked Carrier, or is it your name, or is it M Logistics? Did the actual carrier make-up his own Bill of Lading or did he use the one issued by the shipper? The other question that needs to be addressed is, what were the terms of sale between your customer and the shipper/supplier? In other words, when did ownership of the freight transfer from the supplier to the purchaser? Although you as the broker took on the responsibility for paying the freight, you are not part of that sales transaction. It sounds in generalkonrad's case, that the judge used the "beneficial party" approach in resolving the matter. Who benefited from the shipment? In most cases yes, it is the receiver. If there is any "silver lining" to your situation, it is the small dollar amount you are dealing with. Perhaps best to pay the carrier, smooth things over with your customer and move on. Oh, one other thing, check, check and double check each and every person who calls themselves a carrier, starting with using this site.